Sri Ramana Maharshi
1. What are the marks of a real teacher (sadguru)?
Steady abidance in the Self, looking at all with an equal eye, unshakable courage at all times, in all places and circumstances etc.
2. What are the marks of an earnest disciple?
An intense longing for the removal of sorrow and attainment of joy and an intense aversion for all kinds of mundane pleasure.
3. What are the characteristics of instruction (upadesha)?
The word 'upadesha' means: 'near the place or seat' (upa-near, desa - place or seat). The Guru who is the embodiment of that which is indicated by the terms sat, chit and ananda (existence-consciousness-bliss) prevents the disciple who, on account of his acceptance of the forms of the objects of the senses, has swerved from his true state and is consequently distressed and buffeted by joys and sorrows, from continuing so and establishes him in his own real nature without differentiation.
Upadesa also means showing a distant object quite near. It is brought home to the disciple that the brahman which he believes to be distant and different from himself is near and not different from himself.
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